Chess Rally

Editors’ Review

This program offers just about everything a chess fan needs. If you’re already a seasoned player, you won’t have any trouble starting a game in just moments, but if you need some help with your moves, the game offers modest tutorial options, such as an indication of risk factors and move suggestions. The game offers a number of customization options, allowing you to choose piece style, board color, and sound effects, and which buttons to display. Our major complaint is that even when you maximize the main window, the board doesn’t get any larger. This program gives you a variety of gameplay options, letting you take on a number of computer opponents or humans in person, via e-mail or in online forums. ChessRally definitely doles out a challenge to players of all skill levels. Even on its easiest difficulty setting, we had a hard time vanquishing our computerized opponent. Though it might not be an ideal way for first-timers to learn chess, all other fans of the game will find plenty to like here.

Full Specifications

What’s new in version 2.6

Version 2.6 introduces two new larger board sizes, fun new avatars, new downloadable themes, and a host of “under the hood” enhancements for online play.

General

Date Added January 18, 2010 Version 2.6

Operating Systems

Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 1,148,642 Downloads Last Week 0